Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - October 4, 2024

Did you know that in the latest surveys only 4% of Americans say they feel our political system is working? 90% are exhausted by politics. Only 16% say they trust our government. Only 10% report being often hopeful when they think of politics.

We are beginning a new sermon series titled Jesus, the Golden Rule and Politics, and this weekend we’ll talk about some of what’s broken in politics, we’ll find out we’re not as polarized on the issues as we think, our polarization is in our perceptions and feelings. We’ll then focus on what Jesus might have said were he speaking at the Republican and Democratic national conventions, based upon what he did say, essentially his “party platform” in the Sermon on the Mount. In the end, I’ll suggest that we’re better together and invite us to set the example of modeling what it means to live the Golden Rule.

Invite a friend to join us this weekend. We’ll be giving out our “campaign buttons” this weekend in person – I’ll be wearing mine every day this month. Our kids will also be receiving a keychain for their backpacks with the Do Unto Others logo.

As a reminder, this Wednesday, we’re hosting the first of three “Do Unto Others” style conversations as we welcome Enneagram expert and author Jenn Whitmer. We will have a chance to learn about who we are, how we’re wired to communicate with others, and how we can best connect with people who are different than us in productive ways. Jenn is a fantastic speaker, and you won’t want to miss her presentation.

On each of the next three Wednesday nights, we will have special speakers sharing information and tools to help us bridge the partisan divide and enhance our relationships with family, friends and co-workers – even those with whom we disagree. The workshops will be in person at Resurrection Leawood and Downtown and on Zoom here. We are now able to offer these workshops at no cost. (If you previously paid to attend the series, you will receive a refund.) You can attend one, two or all three of the workshops. Childcare is available for those attending in person, and an optional meal is available at Leawood at 5:30 pm. You can learn more and register here.

Coming in Week 2 (Oct. 16) is guest speaker John Fletcher, a UMC lay leader and LSU professor from Baton Rouge, who will guide us through an interactive workshop on “Skills for Disagreeing Better,” developed by the national bi-partisan organization Braver Angels. Then, in Week 3 (Oct. 23), we’ll be introduced to “The After Party,” developed by Curtis Chang, Russell Moore and David French for those weary of political division and seeking a new perspective on Christian engagement in politics.

I’ll be preaching about the Christian response to polarized politics on the weekend, and then on Wednesday, you will have the opportunity to explore skills and approaches to help you practice this, build bridges and enhance your relationships. I hope you will sign up for all three of these great workshops today!

Next Saturday as a part of our Do Unto Others efforts we are hosting a huge Serve Saturday event putting our kindness campaign into action. All day long we’ll have ways that you can serve out in the community including joining together on one of our Habitat for Humanity build projects. If you’re interested in making a difference and getting out in the community to serve, we have events and opportunities for people of all ages. Check out the Serve Saturday projects and sign up here.

Don’t forget our Fall Hunger Drive that supports our Backpacks for Hunger program which helps to feed kids in our partner schools. From now through Oct. 27, we are “Raising the Bar Against Hunger” and collecting as many protein bars as possible – specifically kid-friendly protein bars to be distributed to our children in need. We still have door hangers that you can use to invite your friends and neighbors to join you in making a difference in the lives of children and families. You can learn more about the hunger ministry and make a monetary donation here.

The deadline for nominating candidates to serve on committees at Resurrection is Monday. We are currently seeking volunteer leaders to serve on key committees and elected positions: Finance, Trustees, Staff Parish Relations, Foundation, Nominations, and Lay Delegates to Annual Conference. We need leaders who represent the wide demographics of our congregation and who are passionate about serving Resurrection. Take a look at committee descriptions and requirements and, if you are interested, submit your application here.

A local student, Luke Wakeman, is demonstrating one way to be intentional about living the Golden Rule. Luke is hosting a school Blood Drive tomorrow, Saturday, Oct. 5, at Blue Valley North High School (12200 Lamar Ave, Overland Park, KS 66209) in the school’s Aux Gym from 9 am – 2 pm. This drive is done through the Community Blood Center, just like Resurrection blood drives, and all those who participate will receive a free t-shirt, snacks, and sports drinks. Anyone over age 16 is encouraged to sign up and donate. Here’s the link. The school’s goal is 100 donations. You can donate blood every eight weeks, so if you missed Resurrection’s August drive, stop by Blue Valley North and help them surpass their goal.

We have an opening on our Matthew’s Ministry team for a Program Director to work with our Day Program for Adults with Autism. This is a part-time position (25 hours a week) and a BCBA-credentialed Behavioral Analyst is required. A minimum of three years experience and proven results working with individuals with autism is preferred but not required. If you or someone you know is interested, you can learn more here. Other Resurrection job openings are listed here.

The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot will be shown at 6 pm (gathering time at 5:30 pm) on Friday, Oct. 18. The film documents the powerful journey of a small town making a big difference in the lives of foster children. As Resurrection relaunches the Foster Adopt ministry, enjoy this powerful movie, and learn how you can be part of this transformative mission. There are 2,000 children in foster care in Kansas City, and we believe Resurrection can help support these vulnerable children and their families. Please note the movie is recommended for ages 14 and above. Learn more here.

You’ll hear about four minutes of my conversation with Senator McCaskill and Congressman Yoder in my sermon, but the conversation had so many great comments. This Tuesday night on Vespers, I’ll share the complete 40-minute interview. I think you’ll find it fascinating. Click here to go to my Pastor Adam Hamilton Facebook page. You can also access it here on YouTube later in the week.

Before I go, I wanted to share about an event last Saturday hosted by Resurrection Brookside where the community came together to share a meal at “The Longest Table.” This event began in New York City after the pandemic, and is spreading across the country.

I love this because it represents what I think Jesus envisioned. As we share communion this weekend imagine one table spanning the entire country where Jesus invites everyone – regardless of political party – to join him.

It’s going to be a great weekend of worship, don’t miss it, and wear your Royals (or Chiefs, or Do Unto Others) gear to worship!

Adam

PS: Don’t forget to register to vote this week! Voting is both a privilege and a responsibility. Deadline in Missouri is Oct. 9, and Oct. 15 in Kansas. Voter information is available at resurrection.church/civicengagement.